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Fetch Media Tools Docs

Export Functions

Generate documentation in multiple formats.

Export Overview

Section titled “Export Overview”

You have five export formats to choose from (all require a license):

FormatBest ForFile Extension
HTMLPrint-to-PDF via browser.html
CSVSpreadsheet import.csv
JSONMachine-readable data.json
ExcelProfessional spreadsheet reports.xlsx
PDFDirect PDF (legacy).pdf

Our recommendation: Export HTML, open it in your browser, then print to PDF. Gives you the best results with the most control.

CSV Export

Section titled “CSV Export”

Menu → File → Export → CSV
Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+Shift+C / Ctrl+Shift+C

CSV structure:

The CSV has two main sections. First, Video Source Channel Assignments with one row per video embedded channel, showing video source, channel number, assigned audio, audio description, and assignment status. Second, Audio Source Tables with a separate table for each audio type (MADI, Dante, etc.), displaying channel, label, description, ignored status, and where it’s assigned to.

Use CSV when: You’re importing into spreadsheet software for analysis, processing with custom scripts, or creating custom reports in Excel or LibreOffice. Files save with the .csv extension and work with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc.

JSON Export

Section titled “JSON Export”

Menu → File → Export → JSON
Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+J / Ctrl+J

JSON structure:

Complete configuration dump in JSON format.

The JSON includes all audio sources with their properties, all video destinations with properties, assignment mappings, group definitions, Buzz Out verification results, and configuration metadata (author, dates, version).

Use JSON when: You’re integrating with external tools, doing automated processing via scripts, working with API-based workflows, or importing into backend systems.

Files save with .json extension.
Human-readable but optimised for machine parsing.

Excel Export

Section titled “Excel Export”

Menu → File → Export → Excel
Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+Shift+E / Ctrl+Shift+E

Excel structure:

Multi-sheet workbook (.xlsx):

  • Summary Sheet — Overview with configuration metadata
  • Video Assignments Sheet — All video sources with embedded channel assignments
  • Audio Sources Sheets — One sheet per audio type (MADI, Dante, etc.)
  • Routing Matrix Sheet — Grid showing all assignments
  • Buzz Out Results Sheet — Verification status if check completed

Use Excel when:

  • Professional documentation for clients
  • Internal reports requiring formatting
  • Sharing with non-technical stakeholders
  • Archival records with rich metadata

Files compatible with Microsoft Excel 2007 and later.
Opens in LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets (with formatting preserved).

Section titled “HTML Report (Recommended)”

Menu → File → Export → HTML
Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+Shift+H / Ctrl+Shift+H

Why we like HTML:

  • Single portable file (all resources embedded - no broken links)
  • Opens automatically in your default browser after export
  • Optimised for A4/Letter print-to-PDF
  • Professional styling with Fetch branding
  • Color-coded groups carry through
  • Status indicators show Buzz Out verification (✓/⚠/?)
  • Configuration metadata in the header
  • Even includes the Nipper icon

Sections in HTML report:

The report starts with a header showing the icon and configuration name, followed by metadata (author, generated date, version). If you’ve completed a Buzz Out check, the status badge appears next. Then come your video sources (grouped and color-coded), all audio sources present in your configuration, and finally a footer with the website link.

Print-to-PDF workflow:

  1. Export HTML
  2. Browser opens report automatically
  3. Browser → File → Print (or Cmd+P / Ctrl+P)
  4. Select “Save as PDF” as destination
  5. Adjust margins if needed (typically “None”)
  6. Save PDF

This workflow produces better PDF output than direct PDF export.

[Screenshot: HTML report displayed in browser showing formatted routing tables with print dialog]

Use HTML when:

  • Creating archival documentation
  • Sharing with clients (portable single file)
  • Printing to PDF for records
  • Email attachments (complete report in one file)

PDF Export (Legacy)

Section titled “PDF Export (Legacy)”

Menu → File → Export → PDF
Keyboard shortcut: Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P

PDF generation methods:

Nipper attempts three approaches in sequence:

  1. Headless Chrome/Edge/Chromium — Converts HTML to PDF via browser engine
  2. wkhtmltopdf — If detected on system PATH
  3. printpdf library — Internal fallback (limited styling)

First successful method produces the PDF.

Limitations:

PDF export less reliable than HTML export due to dependency on system browser detection.

Recommendation:

Use HTML export + browser print for better control and consistent results.

Direct PDF export remains for environments where browser access is restricted.

Export File Naming

Section titled “Export File Naming”

Default filename based on configuration name.

Example: Configuration named “OB Truck 2 - Football Match” exports as:

  • OB Truck 2 - Football Match.html
  • OB Truck 2 - Football Match.csv
  • OB Truck 2 - Football Match.json
  • etc.

File picker allows renaming before save.

Export Keyboard Shortcuts Summary

Section titled “Export Keyboard Shortcuts Summary”
  • Cmd+J / Ctrl+J — JSON
  • Cmd+Shift+C / Ctrl+Shift+C — CSV
  • Cmd+Shift+E / Ctrl+Shift+E — Excel
  • Cmd+Shift+H / Ctrl+Shift+H — HTML
  • Cmd+Shift+P / Ctrl+Shift+P — PDF